AVA Festival Confirms Return

After a hugely successful first outing in 2015 the AVA Festival (Audio Visual Arts) and Conference has announced its return to Belfast's T13 venue on Saturday, June 4.

The first of its kind in Ireland, the one-day showcase gives a platform to emerging and established electronic producers, DJs and audiovisual artists against the stunning backdrop of the city's Titanic Quarter. It was also the first in Ireland to host renowned underground music platform Boiler Room, which will be streaming live from the event again this year.

Today’s line-up announcement sees one of the most anticipated and sought after techno DJ’s from Berlin, RØDHÅD, make his Northern Ireland debut alongside Irish heavyweights Bicep and Mano Le Tough.

Mixing new names with international icons, the first wave of announcements offer an indication of what is in store. Among a number of firsts for this year's festival, T13's industrial space will provide the perfect home for Dystopian head-honcho RØDHÅD's blend on timeless techno, and be transformed by the debut of Bicep's new specially curated live show with visuals by internationally revered AV artists Guerrilla Shout.

Fresh from placing fifteenth in Resident Advisor Top DJs of ’15 list, Ireland's own Mano Le Tough will add a touch of his signature atmospheric disco-house-techno hybrid, and after a thumping set last year, vinyl-explorers Optimo return for what promises to be a soul-searching journey from one of the deepest record bags in music.

A multi-sensory and immersive event, the festival's day conference is free to the public and open to all ages. Its forthcoming programme will feature another wealth of music and tech industry names sharing their knowledge across workshops, panels and lectures. Registration is now open at www.avafestival.com/signup.

Sarah McBriar, Founder and Creative Producer of AVA Festival and Up Productions said: 'Year one was so special, from the crowd, the artists, the AVA team, the visual spectacle of our AV Shows, the venue, bringing Boiler Room to Northern Ireland, our dedicated partners, and our ground-braking conference that developed both the artists and the industry. Our goal was to celebrate, amplify and develop the local talent and it seems we made a great start.

'AVA achieved as a collective something so unique and energetic, that we are really excited to announce the return of our festival, Boiler Room broadcast, conference and our 2016 lineup. We have added a third stage, brought on board some special guests from Berlin and worked hard to expand our programming, with more to be announced. We hope you can join us.'

Tickets for AVA Festival are now available, and selling fast, at www.avafestival.com/tickets. Further details of this year's conference programme and more still to come.